Land reclamation apparatus

ABSTRACT

An improved earthmoving apparatus particularly suited for use in land reclamation operations comprising a cutting and casting blade which may be articulated through either a left or right angle, relative to the direction of operation, of at least 45*. A plurality of power modules are disposed at spaced intervals along and behind the cutting and casting blade such that they remain at substantially the same distance from the blade when the blade is articulated. By providing power to the blade in this manner, the adverse effects of side thrust and turning moments inherent in most angle blade operations are significantly reduced.

United States Patent v 1191 Howland LAND RECLAMATION APPARATUS John W. Howland, Stilwell, Kans.

The Pittsburgh & Midway Coal Mining Co., Kansas City, Mo.

Nov. 20, 1972 Inventor:

Assignee:

Filed:

Appl. No.:

US. Cl. 172/292, 172/801, 180/92 R Int. Cl E02f 3/76 Field of Search 172/801, 276, 804, 805,

' 172/292; ISO/9.2, 9.24

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 12/1968 Gregg 180/92 R X 6/1969 Kowalik 172/801 X [451 July 16, 1974 3,552,497 1/1971 Stedman 172/801 X PrimaryExaminer-Stephen C. Pellegrino 5 7] ABSTRACT effects of side thrust and turning moments inherent in most angle blade operations are significantly reduced.

; 12 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEnJuL 1 a mu SHETBBFS PATENTED JUL 1 8 i974 SHiEHHJfS PATENTEB Jun 61914 'samsnrs" 1 LAND RECLAMATHON APPARATUS BACKGROUND This invention relates to an improved earthmoving apparatus. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved bulldozer particularly suited for use in land reclamation operations.

As is well known, strip mining requires the removal of large volumes of overburden which becomes deposited in spoil banks during the mining operation. Generally, these spoil banks range in height between about and 45 feet and are separated, crest to crest, by about 60 to 120 feet. In years past, it was common practice to leave the disturbed land in this essentially useless state after the strip mining operations had passed since the cost of reclamation far exceeded the increase in land value resulting therefrom. Today, however, most, if not all states require that the disturbed land he reclaimed to rolling terrain and grassland, notwithstanding, that the cost of such reclamation still, generally, far exceeds the increase in the sale value of the land when prior art earthmoving equipment is used therefor.

In this regard, it should be noted that, heretofore, several apparatus have been-proposed for use in earthmoving operations. Generally, however, these apparatus are designed for road building or similar operations wherein dirt is moved over relatively long distances; ie., 100 feet or more, and when used in land reclamation operations, such as leveling overburden removed in strip mining operations, wherein large volumes of dirt .are moved over relatively short distances, the'efficiencies of these apparatus are quite low.

A principal reason for these low efficiencies is the fixed, relatively straight disposition of the blade; ie., a disposition at or near a right angle to the direction of travel, of most prior art equipment. This fixed disposition does, of course, limit both the direction and manner in which the dirt may be moved; ie., side casting is not feasible with this blade disposition and as a result the dirt is, generally, pushed directly from the high spots to the low spots which are to be filled. This problem is particularly acute in moving the highest portions of a spoil bank; ie., the first 50-65 percent of the soil which must be moved,.where the .prior' art apparatus must be operated at an angle relative to the general length of the spoil bank. This, in turn, significantly increases the distance over which the prior art apparatus must be operated to effect the desired movement and the time required therefor, with a subsequent reduction in effective utilization of horsepower available to the operator.

The problems associated with the fixed, relatively straight blade disposition can, of course, be reduced by angling the blade, relative to the direction of travel of the apparatus, so as to permit side casting operations. The angle through which the blade of most conventional equipment can be varied is, however, quite limited, and the relatively high friction forces between the soil and blade at these angles will not permit effective side casting. Moreover, when conventional type bulldozing equipment is modified so as to permit operation with the blade disposed at a swept-back angle; ie., an angle relative to the direction of travel of the apparatus, suitable to effective side casting operation, side thrusts and/or turning moments prevent smooth performance in land reclamation operations. To some extent, the problems caused by the side thrusts and/or turning moments can be offset by using a second (tow) tractor to supply additional power to the blade in a manner designed to counteract the forces causing the side thrusts and/or turning moments. Operation in this manner, however, requires an additional piece of equipment and an additional operator, both of which tend to reduce the overall efficiency of this particular method of operation.

A second reason for these low efficiencies is that most, if not all, of the prior art apparatus are steered by transferring power from one or more wheels or tracks to one or more other wheels or tracks. This, in turn, results in an indirect reduction in the power available to the blade for cutting and casting by. effectively overloading those wheels and/or tracks to, which the power is transferred during the steering manipulations. In this regard, it should be noted that the prior art equipment does not lend itself to straight cutting and casting operation and, therefore, the same must be subjected to several steering manipulations when used in land reclamation operations.

The need for an improved earthmoving apparatus particularly suitable for use in land reclamation operations is, therefore, readily apparent. It is, however, essential that the improved apparatus be reasonably easy to operate and that the same permit low cost land reclamation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It has now been found that the foregoing and other disadvantages of the prior art equipment can be overcome with the apparatus of the present invention and that relatively low cost land reclamation accomplished therewith. It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide an improved earthmovingapparatus. It is another object of this invention to provide such an apparatus that is particularly suited to use in land reclamation operations. It is still another object of this invention to provide such an apparatus having a blade which may be articulated through a relatively wide sweptback angle. It is yet another object of this invention to provide such an apparatus which may be operated with the blade disposed at such an angle with a minimum of adverse effects associated with side thrusts and/or turning moments. It is a still further object of this invention to provide such an apparatus that can be steered without reducing power to one or more tires or tracks thereon. It is a yet further object of this invention to provide such an apparatus that can be easily operated and which will permit economically attractive land reclamation. These and other objects and advantages will be apparent from the disclosure set forth hereinafter and the appended drawings.

in accordance with the present invention, the foregoing and other objects and advantages are accomplished with an apparatus comprising a plurality of power modules disposed at spaced intervals along and behind a cutting and casting blade and a powered, steerable drive power module disposed at or near the rear of the apparatus. The apparatus is fashioned such that the cutting and casting blade may be articulated through a relatively wide angle and such that each of the plurality of power modules remains at substantially the same distance behind the blade at all times. As will be pointed out more fully hereinafter, articulation of the blade may be accomplished in any suitable manner, and the 3 apparatus .will be steered by rotating the powered, steerable drive module or secondarily by varying power output to modules located directly behind the blade- BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1 is a plan view, partly broken away and with certain detail omitted for purposes of clarity, of an apparatus within the scope of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation, with certain detail omitted for purposes of clarity, of the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view, partly broken away and with certain detail omitted for purposes of clarity, of the same apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 showing the disposition of the blade and power modules when the blade is articulated in a manner so as to facilitate casting to the left;

FIG. 4 is a plan view, partly broken away and with certain detail omitted for purposes of clarity, of the same apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 showing the disposition of the blade and power modules when the blade is articulated in a manner so as to facilitate casting to the right; and

FIG. 5 is a side elevation, partly broken away and with certain detail omitted for purposes of clarity, of a power module of the track laying type which is useful with or as a component part of an apparatus within the scope of the present invention and such as is illustrated in. all of the previous Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION For purposes of clarity,the present invention will be described by reference to the appended drawings,

FIGS. 1-5. Referring toFlG. 1, there is shown a plan portion 12, an engine support portion 14 and an aft portion 16. It will, of course, be appreciated that the size and shape of the main support frame or platform is not critical to the present invention and that any suitable frame which will support the various components of the apparatus of this invention could be satisfactorily employed.

As can be seen in the Figure, a cutting and casting blade 18 is pivotally attached to the forward portion of the frame or platform 10. In general, any of the cutting and casting blades known in the prior art could be adapted and used as a component part of the apparatus of this invention. A straight blade of the type illustrated is, however, preferred. In general, any suitable means may be used to pivotally secure the blade 18 to the frame or platform and such connections are well within the ordinary skill of the art. In the embodiment illustrated, the blade is secured to the frame or platform with pin 20, which pin extends through the frame or platform 10 and blade securing bracket 22. It will, of course, be appreciated that bearings will be provided as required for a connection of this type. Again, however, the provision thereof 'is well within the ordinary skill of the art and the detail thereof has been omitted for purposes of clarity.

As can also be seen in FIG. 1, the apparatus of this invention comprises a plurality of individual power modules 24-24, which power modules are disposed at spaced intervals along and behind the cutting and casting blade 18. The number of such power modules employed is, of course, not critical to the present invention and any number of two or more could be satisfactorily employed. In this regard, however, it should be noted that it is essential that there be at least one power module disposed on each side of the pivotal connection of the blade to the frame or platform 10. It will, of course, be appreciated that the blade and other portions of the apparatus of this invention could be provided with a plurality of power module connections such that power modules could be added or removed, as desired, and such provisions are preferred since a maximum degree of flexibility will be achieved thereby.

In general, any suitable power module can be employed in the apparatus of the present invention. For example, such module could comprise a separate engine in combination with essentially any suitable support-propulsion system known in the prior art such as rubber tires, rubber tires with grouser equipped Dystred type cushion tracks, conventional crawler type track with grousers or steel drum wheels with grousers. It is, of course, well within the ordinary skill of the art to combine these components so as to provide a suitable power unit capable of providing power to a cutting and casting blade. Such combinations, therefore, form no part of the present invention and no attempt will be made herein to elaborate on such combinations. Alternatively, one or more suitable engines could be provided as an essential component of the apparatus of the present invention but separate from the individual power modules, which engine or engines will be capable of providing all of the power necessary to drive the separate power modules. When this arrangement is used, the separate engine or engines will, generally, be carried by the main support frame or platform 10. Again, it is well within the ordinary skill of the art to provide the means required to'drive the selected support-propulsion system with the separately disposed engine or engines. In this regard, however, it should be noted that the use of a separate engine is preferred in the present invention and that it is preferred to first convert the mechanical'power from the engine to either. electrical or hydraulic power and then to drive the individual power modules either electrically or hydraulically. It is also preferred in the present invention to use support-propulsion systems comprising grouser equipped tracks since these systems offer a higher propulsive output and are less susceptible to rock damage.

A particularly preferred combination of a separate engine and a support-propulsion system comprising a grouser equipped track is illustratedin the Figures. As can best be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, a single diesel engine 26 is carried by the main support frame or platform 10.

i As can best be seen in FIG. 2, the engine support portion 14 of the main support frame is disposed below both the forward portion 12 and the aft portion 16 of the frame so as to reduce the overall height of the apparatus. As can also be seen, diesel engine 26, in turn drives generator 28 through shaft 30. The size of the diesel engine is, of course, not critical to the present invention but the same should be sufficiently large to drive a generator or pump capable of providing electrical or hydraulic power to all of the power modules employed thereon, including the powered, steerable drive module. The generator or pump should also be sufficiently large to provide power to any auxiliary systems which might be included on the apparatus. In this regard, it should be noted that blade tilt and elevation will, generally, be controlled either hydraulically or electrically and the generator or pump should be sufficiently large to provide power to these systems. Moreover, rotation of the steering wheel will, generally, also be accomplished either hydraulically or electrically, as may articulation of the blade, and the generator or pump should be sufficiently large to provide power to these systems.

' As can best be seen in FIG. 5, each of the power modules will comprise at least one motor-32, which motor in turn provides power to drive wheels 34 and 34 through suitable drive means such as chains or belts 35 and 35. It will, of course, be appreciated that the direction of rotation of motor 32 will control the direction of rotation of drive wheels 34 and 34' and in turn control the direction of rotation of the track 36, which track is driven by drive wheels 34 and 34. Drive wheels 34 and 34 are, of course, rotated about'axles 38 and 38, respectively, which axles are in turn rotatably secured to power module housing 40. At this point, it should be noted that the particular arrangement of the motor, drive wheels and-track is not critical to'the present invention and that it is within the ordinary skill of the art to arrange these components in an operable fashion. Moreover, it would be well within the ordinary skill of the art to employ two or more motors so as to effect the desired rotation of the drive wheels. It should also be noted, that details relating to the electrical wiring and/or hydraulic tubinghave been omitted for purposes of clarity and because such wiring or tubing would be well within the ordinary skill of the art. Nonetheless, it should be noted that in a most preferred embodiment each power module will be electrically driven and each will be provided with a separate junction box 60-60 so as to facilitate easy removal and/or installation thereof.

As can best be seen in FIG. 1, each of the plurality of power modules 24-24 is pivotally connected to the cutting and casting blade 18 at a point near the forward portion thereof and pivotally connected at a point along the rear thereof to a rear support assembly 42. In general, any suitable pivotal connection that will provide articulation (left, right or straight), as in a flexible parallelogram, could be employed to secure the power modules to the cutting and casting blade and the rear support assembly. It is, however, preferred to employ a single connection so as to facilitate installation and removal of the power module. A particularly preferred connection is illustrated in the Figures. As can be seen, then, in the Figures, each of the power modules may be pivotally secured to the cutting and casting blade with a single pin 44-44, which pin extends first through forward cross members 46-46, which cross members are secured to each of the module housings 40-40, and then through securing brackets 48-48, which securing brackets are,'in turn, suitably secured to the cutting and casting blade 18. It will, of course, be appreciated that a single securing bracket extending substantially.

the full length of the blade 18 could be provided in place of the plurality of smaller brackets 22 and 48-48. Similarly, the pivotal connection at the rear of each of the power modules 24-24 can be easily accomplished with a corresponding number of single pins 50-50, which pins will extend first through cross members 52-52, which cross members extend laterally across the rear of each power module and which are secured to the housing 40 thereof, and then through securing brackets 54-54, which brackets are, in turn, secured to rear support assembly 42. Again, a single support bracket extending substantially the full length of the rear support assembly could be substituted for the plurality of supporting brackets 54-54.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rear support assembly 42 is pivotally connected to the main support frame or platform 10 such that the rear support assembly will pivot when the blade 18 is articulated. As can be seen in the Figures, the pivotal connection is accomplished by extending a pin 56 first through the forward portion 12 of the main support frame and then through the rear support assembly. Bearings, not shown, will, of course, be provided as required. As has been noted, supra, the manner in which power is supplied to the individual power modules is not critical; however, when the modules are driven electrically, it will be convenient to include the electrical wiringin the rear support assembly. When this is done, electrical power will first be provided to the rear support assembly from the generator through power inlet 48 and then to the individual power modules through any one of a plurality of power outlets 60-60.

As can also best be seen in FIGS. land 2, the apparatus of this invention will comprise a steering wheel 62 located below the rear portion 16 of the main support frame or platform 10. Broadly, any type of a rear support could .be employed for this purpose so long as the same may be rotated in a clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction when viewed from the top thereof. In a preferred embodiment, however, a powered, support-propulsion system will be employed for this purpose. In this regard, it should be noted that any one of the support-propulsion systems heretofore described could be employed for this purpose. Generally, however, rubber tires will be employed therefor and such a system is illustrated in the Figures. In the embodiment illustrated, steering is effected with a power module comprising a motor 64 which drives rubber tires 66 and 66 through drive means 68. In a most preferred embodiment, electrical power from the generator 28 will be supplied to the steering power module through power inlet 70 and then to the motor 64. The powered steering module is secured to the aft portion 16 of the main frame or support 10 and is free to rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from the top through shaft '72. Again, bearings, not shown, will column 74 could be used for this purpose. As can be 'prior art and form no part of the present invention. For

this reason, details relating to the same have been omitted from the drawing for purposes of clarity.

In general, articulation of the cutting and casting blade 18 may be accomplished in any suitable manner. For example, articulation could be accomplished by forward and reverse motion of the opposed power modules'in combination with a pin and lock arrangement that would hold the blade at any desired angle. Alternatively, articulation could be accomplished with one or more hydraulic cylinders such as cylinders 78 and 80 which are most clearly shown in the cutaway portion of FIG. 1 either with or without a pin and lock arrangement, now shown. As will be readily apparent, the cutting and casting blade could be rotated to a left swept-back, casting angle by extending cylinder 78 and retracting cylinder 80 or to a right swept-back, casting angle byextending cylinder 80 and retracting cylinder 78. It will, of course, be appreciated that the hydraulic pressure could be used to hold the blade at the desired angle.

Though not essential to the present invention, added flexibility can be provided through the provision of means for adjusting the tilt and pitch of the cutting and casting blade 18. Such tilting can be most conveniently accomplished with one or more hydraulic cylinders such'as cylinders 82-82 which are secured to and positioned in front of the individual power modules 24 -24. As will be readily apparent, extension of the cylinders 82-82 will push the bottom portion of blade 18 outwardly whereas retraction of these cylinders I would draw the bottom of the blade inwardly. It will, of

course, be appreciated that the cutting and casting blade 18 must be free to pivot about securing brackets 22 and 28-28 and such pivotal connectionsare contemplate'd by the present invention though not shown in the drawing. Moreover, either electrical or hydraulic means could be provided to raise and lower the cutting and casting blade 18. Such means have not, however, been illustrated in the Figures since this feature forms no part of the present invention. Nonetheless, it should be noted that to facilitate such raising and lowering, it would be necessary to provide suitable means such as slidable connections between the supporting brackets 22 and 48-48 and the cutting and casting blade 18.

The essence of the present invention resides in the manner in which the cutting and casting blade 18 is articulated such that the power to the blade remains at substantially the same distance therefrom at all angles of possible blade operation. In this regard, it should be noted that optimum operation of earth-moving equipment in reclamation efforts is obtained when the apparatus is operated along the longitudinal axis of the spoil bank with the dirt therein being cast either to the left or to the right. Moreover, maximum efficiency is achieved when the blade is disposed at an angle having a tangent equal to or greater than the static coefficient of friction betweenthe blade and the soil. Generally,

this will be accomplished at angles between about 22 and 45. The apparatus of this invention is, then, capable of blade articulation through angles at least as great as 45.

As can best be seen in FIG. 3, the cutting and casting blade 18 of the apparatus of this invention can be articulated through a left casting or swept-back angle of at least 45 by extending cylinder 78 and retracting cylinder 80. When this is accomplished, the blade 18 pivots about pin 20 and the rear support assembly 42 pivots about 56. At the same time, the power modules 24-24, which are to the right of this pivot point, pivot about respective pins 44-44 and drop behind the power modules on the right side while remaining at substantially the same distance from the blade. With the power modules thus disposed, the same are in an excellent position to counteract side thrust problems inherent in the operation of angle blade dozers. Similarly, as best illustrated in FIG. 4, the blade of the apparatus of this invention can be articulated through a right casting or swept-back angle of at least 45 to the right by rotating the same about pivot point 20. This rotation can, of course, be accomplished by extending cylinder 80 and retracting cylinder 78. As can be seen in the Figure, this action of the hydraulic cylinders also causes the rear support assembly to rotate about pin 56. In this case, however, the power modules 24-24 on the left side of the pivot points move forward and remain substantially at the same distance behind the blade while the power modules on the right side fall behind those on the left side and remain substantially the same distance from the blade. Again, the power modules remain in an excellent position to counteract side thrust inherent in angle blade operation. Moreover, the powered, steering module can be maneuvered in a further effort to off-set the effects of side thrust and turning moments.

It will, of course, be appreciated that the'power produced by or from the individual power modules can be varied separately through suitable controls disposed at or near the operators station and any one or all could be operated at different power. outputs in an effort to further facilitate earthmoving under any particular set of circumstances. Such variation can, of course, be accomplished either manually or automatically. Moreover, sensing elements which could detect an adverse effect of side thrust or turning moments could be provided so as to permit automatic variation of power to each of the various power modules soas to counteract these effects.

In operation, the apparatus of the present invention will, generally, be moved in a forward direction along the length or longitudinal axis of a spoil bank such that the top or upper 50-65 percent thereof will be cast either to the left or to the right so as to fill the valleys there between. Generally, the blade will be disposed at an angle of about 22 to about 45 and the power to each of the power modules will be identical. The steeringwheel will be manipulated such that the apparatus remains at about the same relative disposition with respect to the spoil bank and to overcome any turning or twisting moments. After the upper portion of the spoil bank has thus been moved, the blade will then be disposed at or about a right angle with the direction of travel and the leveling or reclamation completed with the blade thus disposed. In this regard, it should be noted that with the blade disposed at a right angle to 9 the direction of travel, the apparatus of this invention will function in substantially the same manner as aconventional bulldozer. The apparatus of the present invention is, then, quite flexible and the same may be used with maixmum efficiency to complete essentially any earthmoving operation. Moreover, and as has been noted, supra, the apparatus of the present invention is particularly suited to land reclamation operations where the upper portion of a spoil bank; ie., the first 50-50 percent of the soil to be moved, is most efficiently moved with the blade disposed at a swept-back angle between 22 and 45 and the remainder most efficiently moved with the blade disposed at or near a right angle with the direction of travel.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention will comprise a straight cutting and casting blade having a width between about 40 and 60 feet and the same will be pivotally attached to the forward portion of a main support frame or platform. Two identical power modules will be disposed along and behind the blade on both sides of the pivot point. Each of the power modules will comprise rubber tires with grouser equipped Dystred type cushion tracks, and the same will be driven either electrically or hydraulically with the power for such drives being provided with a single diesel engine carried by the main support frame .and having a power rating between 1,000 and 1,500

HP. Moreover, each of the individual power modules will be pivotally attached to the cutting and casting blade at a point at or near the front thereof, and each of the power modules will be pivotally attached to a rear support assembly at a point at or near the back thereof. The rear support assembly will, in turn, be pivotally connected to the main support frame or platform and the same will carry a pluralityof junction boxes, one for each power module. Articulation of the cutting and casting blade will be accomplished hydraulically with cylinders disposed on opposed sides of the pivot point and a pin and lock arrangement will be used to hold the blade in place. The apparatus will also comprise .a powered steering wheel disposed at or near the back of the apparatus.'Controls for all of the functional components of the apparatus will be centrally located at or near an operators platform.

Also, in a preferred embodiment, the individual power modules will be floatably mounted such that each will be free to move up or down when variations in the'terrain are encountered. Moreover, the rear support assembly will also be floatably mounted so as to avoid undue strains and stresses as a result of vibration of the individual power modules. Similarly, the cutting and casting blade will be floatably mounted so as to Having thus described and illustrated the present invention, what is claimed is:

1. An earth moving apparatus comprising a main support frame, an earth side casting blade, blade pivot means rotatably connecting said main support frame and said blade, rotating means associated with said blade to rotate said blade to the left or to the right about said blade pivot means comprising at least one power module means on the right of said blade pivot means and at least one power module means on the left of said blade pivot means, forward power module pivot means associated with the forward region of each power module means for mounting the forward region of each power module means on said blade, support as-.

sembly means pivotally mounted on said main support frame, rearward power module pivot means on said support assembly means pivotally connecting the rearward region of each power module means to said support assembly means, and steering means rearwardly mounted below said main supportframe to support and steer said main support frame.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rotating means comprises variable power output means in said power module means.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rotating means comprises extending or retracting means disposed for operation between said main support frame and said blade.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein there is one power module means on each side of said blade pivot means.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein there are two spaced-apart power module means on each side of said blade pivot means so that upon rotation of said blade means the module means furtherest from the blade pivot means on either side of the blade pivot means moves forwardly or rearwardly depending upon direction of rotation to a'greater extent then the module means on the same side of said blade pivot means which is closest to said blade pivot means.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 including rotatable rear support means disposed at the rear of said power module means, rear power module pivot means associated with the rear region of each power module means for pivotally mounting the rear region of each power module means on said rear support means.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said blade means can rotate up to 45 with respect to said main support frame.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said blade can rotate 22 to 45 with respect to said main support frame.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said power module means comprises rubber tires equipped with cushion tracks.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 including a diesel engine carried by said main support frame.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 including a diesel engine carried by said main support frame and motor means associated with said power module means with driving means from said diesel engine to said motor means for driving said motor means.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 including an operators platfonn on said main support frame.

- Po-ww UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Inventor) John W. Howland It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Page 1, after [73] Assignee", "Pittsburgh" should read -Pittsburg-- Col. 6, line 30, "48" should read --58- C01. 9, line 10, "50-50" should read -50-65 Signed and sealed this 18th day of March 1975.

(SEAL) Attest:

C. MARSHALL DANN RUTH C. MASON Commissioner of Patents Attesting Officer and Trademarks 

1. An earth moving apparatus comprising a main support frame, an earth side casting blade, blade pivot means rotatably connecting said main support frame and said blade, rotating means associated with said blade to rotate said blade to the left or to the right about said blade pivot means comprising at least one power module means on the right of said blade pivot means and at least one power module means on the left of said blade pivot means, forward power module pivot means associated with the forward region of each power module means for mounting the forward region of each power module means on said blade, support assembly means pivotally mounted on said main support frame, rearward power module pivot means on said support assembly means pivotally connecting the rearward region of each power module means to said support assembly means, and steering means rearwardly mounted below said main support frame to support and steer said main support frame.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rotating means comprises variable power output means in said power module means.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rotating means comprises extending or retracting means disposed for operation between said main support frame and said blade.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein there is one power module means on each side of said blade pivot means.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein there are two spaced-apart power module means on each side of said blade pivot means so that upon rotation of said blade means the module means furtherest from the blade pivot means on either side of the blade pivot means moves forwardly or rearwardly depending upon direction of rotation to a greater extent then the module means on the same side of said blade pivot means which is closest to said blade pivot means.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 including rotatable rear support means disposed at the rear of said power module means, rear power module pivot means associated with the rear region of each power module means for pivotally mounting the rear region of each power module means on said rear support means.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said blade means can rotate up to 45* with respect to said main support frame.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said blade can rotate 22* to 45* with respect to said main support frame.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said power module means comprises rubber tires equipped with cushion tracks.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 including a diesel engine carried by said main support frame.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 including a diesel engine carried by said main support frame and motor means associated with said power module means with driving means from said diesel engine to said motor means for driving said motor means.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1 including an operator''s platform on said main support frame. 